Black Women's Health Imperative

Mission:
The Black Women's Health Imperative is the only nonprofit devoted solely to advancing the health and wellness of America's Black women and girls through advocacy, community health and wellness education and leadership development. For more information, visit www.BlackWomensHealth.ORG. Target demographics:
Black women ages 18 and above Geographic areas served:
National Programs:

Community Reviews

The work that the Black Women's Health Imperative does is extremely important. The Imperative is committed to putting the health of Black women and girls first. Various programs and initiatives help to education women, policy makers and other stakeholders about what is needed.

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

With family histories of both cancer and diabetes, I have looked to the Black Women's Health Imperative website for accurate information to help me live well...and longer. I want a wonderful quality of life and the lifestyle tips, encouragement and FACTS are what I need to stay on track. I've walked with them, and attended programs just when I needed an extra boost! Who else is looking out for black women's health like them? I don't know of another national organization, and I'm totally grateful.--Living Better in Maryland Lady

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

Black Women's Health Imperative published a very resourceful book, Health First! The Black Woman’s Wellness Guide, which has been a personal blessing. At a time when I thought I was being more supportive of the organization's initiative, I received a wealth of knowledge in return that has help me with several health concerns as a black woman. I have found myself picking up the book and visiting the blackwomenshealth.org website for many of the answers that we, as black women, question about our health and those that we care for. I encourage others to purchase this wonderful book or refer to the website for much of our concerns.

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

I've known about the Black Women's Health Imperative for about 20 years. Their Walking for Wellness programs helped me start a fitness program. I was 320 pounds and didn't think that I could exercise for fear that I would have a heart attack - seriously! Then one day my friend from Atlanta told me about this organization and a walking program they had. The program was about taking small steps, getting together with friends and just talking. The idea is that Black women need support and need to talk about our problems and joys. It worked for me. Now I'm 129 pounds ligther and not afriad to exercise and talk. The program made me realize that I was eating because of depression. Walking helped me physically and emotionally. I hate that so many Black women don't know about the Imperative but they know Coach, MAC and Macy's. The Imperative deserves this award more than any other nonprofit!

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

I have been involved with the Black Women's Health Imperative (BWHI) for about 4 years. They have provided me and my daughter with tools and information to improve our health outcomes. My daughter and I volunteered to participate in the Girls Leading Our Way (GLOW) Program and it was not a dissapointment! GLOW helped my daughter and I have conversations about sexual health, self-esteem, body image and making positive choices. BWHI has also served my community be providing free health workshops on exercise and healthy eating and diabetes prevention. I appreciate the work done by the BWHI and look forward to continuing to be involved in future initiatives.

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

I appreciate the Black Women's Health Imperative because they tweet useful information that has helped me live healthier. For example, I did not know about a Black woman's risk for breast cancer until BWHI started tweeting information. Now, I perform monthly breast exams. I hope that women continue to support this wonderful information. Their website is fabulous too!